Congratulations to all your entrepreneurial skills, but there is still much to be done. The last trimester is actually more fun as she begins to plan how to care for her baby. There are e-books to read, interesting tips on nursing, the importance of breastfeeding lessons, and newborn care. The checklist seems exhaustive, but once you’re a parent, instincts are sharpened and adaptation is easy.
A support system is of paramount importance. So hire the services of a helper and cook for a few months. It’s also good if you can talk to a family member who can stay with you for a few months. Disrupted sleep will be common, but as soon as the baby calms down, you’ll find yourself with more time. Carpentry or painting work should be done well in advance. Fixing leaks or repairing peeling wallpaper is a must to keep allergens out. Babies grow up very quickly and soon your newborn will be crawling, so try to make your home a kid-friendly room with corner cushions for sharp-edged furniture, check sliding windows and kitchen cabinets, and throw away wobbly furniture. Also childproof all electrical outlets and invest in other babyproofing products.
Here are some things to implement before you come home with a newborn:
for the baby
• A good pediatrician.
• Name and address of a neonatal hospital.
• A new/additional closet or storage space.
• A baby cot.
• A stroller (no doubt they are also good).
• Several mattresses/mini duvets/blanket of small size.
• Few bibs (helps if baby babbles).
• Baby clothes/bib/hat/mittens/socks (depending on the weather).
• Diapers (Initially buy a brand and check if it adapts to the baby’s skin.
• Anti-rash cream/ointment (if baby develops diaper rash).
• Bathtub.
• Set of fresh napkins.
For mom and dad and general needs.
• A night lamp.
• A chair next to the bed.
• Service or check air conditioner, heater, or fan.
• Extra pillows for mom.
• Special breastfeeding arms.
• Breast protectors.
• Lycra pants and shirts
• A jar by the bed (to store anything from chocolate milk to warm water) if you need to wake up at night.
• Tissues of the wet variety (antiseptic wipes) for mom and baby.
• Breast pump.
• Stock healthy snacks for the nursing mother.
• Stock up on groceries well in advance.
• Baby harness (for a little later)
• Reassess Invest in a reliable landline phone or Wi-Fi.
• A handwritten diary of all landline and mobile phone numbers from the supermarket to doctors and friends. (it works well when there is an emergency and the Wifi is off or there is no network).
• Nursing gowns.
• A hanging cloth bag (useful for storing overnight essentials, from a diaper to a bra).
• Downloaded electronic books, novels, music or movies (for a bit of pleasure).
• Ointments and creams and medications. (iron/calcium tablets, care cream and precautionary cream in case your nipples are sore).
• Drip drying support for babies.
• Mild detergent to wash the baby’s clothes.
• Recommended baby shower gel, safe antiseptic liquid, powders, lotions and creams (initially take a small amount to see if it works for your baby).
• A handy notebook and pencil (track your baby’s milestones and congratulate yourself).
• A good camera to capture new memories.